Tampa Bay Buccaneers EDGE Logan Hall captured more playing time as a sophomore defender in 2023. Despite the expansion of his role, Hall didn’t take full advantage of his opportunity. The No. 33 overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft has yet to reach his full potential. The Buccaneers are going to demand more of Hall in what’s scheduled to be a make-or-break campaign in 2024.
Hall totaled just 22 tackles and 0.5 sacks despite accumulating 543 snaps as a starter. Hall appeared in 16 regular-season games with 13 starts. The former Houston standout played nearly 50% of all defensive snaps while predominantly lining up as Todd Bowles' 5-technique.
Hall played with a relentless motor, but it's difficult to justify the production. Pro Football Focus credited him with recording just 17 pressures and 15 quarterback hurries via 330 pass-rushing snaps. He also struggled versus the run, earning a 44.1 grade in that department.
Hall arguably showcased more promise as a rookie contributor in 2022. He totaled 2.5 sacks and 17 pressures in limited action. Hall was more efficient as a first-year defender, having played just 403 snaps. Sophomore growth was expected but didn’t come to fruition.
The Buccaneers have also continued to invest in their defensive line after making Hall an early second-round pick in 2022. Just one year after drafting Hall with a top 35 selection, the Buccaneers took Calijah Kancey at No. 19 in the 2023 NFL Draft. Fellow pass rusher YaYa Diaby was drafted in the third round. Veteran edge rusher Randy Gregory was signed in free agency earlier this offseason. You can never have enough pass rushers, but the Buccaneers' continued activity indicates they realize Hall hasn't developed as hoped.
Hall is now entering his third season in Bowles’ player-friendly aggressive scheme. Kacy Rodgers has been Hall’s defensive line coach throughout his entire tenure in Tampa. Hall needs to continue showcasing growth and comfortability given the familiar surroundings.
The young Bucs DL wrecked this entire play. Logan Hall getting knockback on Lane Johnson, and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka my goodness pic.twitter.com/zzozmqlx3k
— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) January 16, 2024
Bowles will continue playing three down linemen with two outside linebackers serving as stand-up rushers. Hall projects as the 5-tech starter for a second consecutive season with Vita Vea and Kancey most commonly occupying the spots next to him on the line. A combination of Diaby, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Gregory, and rookie draft pick Chris Braswell will be tasked with pinning their ears back.
The onus is on Hall to do a better job setting the edge as an early-down defender while being a more productive player overall. The Buccaneers fared well defensively throughout 2023, tying for seventh place in the league with 48 sacks. Bowles' rugged defense allowed a fifth-ranked 95.3 rushing yards per contest. Improvement is within the realm of possibility if Hall takes a desired step forward.
Hall couldn’t request a better situation entering his third campaign. Continuity is present throughout the coaching staff and he’s surrounded by talented teammates, both as run stoppers and pass rushers. The Buccaneers trust Hall to execute his assignments after making him a starter in 2023. The full range of Hall's capabilities hasn't been put on display yet. It may be considered now or never for Hall in 2024.